Syphilis: Cause, Symptom, and Treatment

Steps:

• Identify the cause: Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
• Match a symptom: Joint pain (arthritis) occurs in secondary syphilis stages.
• Confirm treatment: Antibiotics like penicillin cure syphilis if given early.
• Eliminate mismatches: Rule out viral causes, unrelated symptoms, and ineffective treatments.

Why C is correct:

• Syphilis is a bacterial infection (Treponema pallidum) causing joint pain as a key symptom, effectively treated with antibiotics per CDC guidelines.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Syphilis is bacterial, not viral; infertility is a possible complication but not a primary symptom.
• B: Burning urination is typical of UTIs or gonorrhea, not syphilis; no vaccine exists for syphilis.
• D: Syphilis is bacterial, not viral; severe headaches are not a defining symptom.

Final answer: C